Oliver Richards: What I'll do as next RIBA president

In an exclusive interview with the AJ, Oliver Richards explains why the RIBA has become irrelevant to many and what he will offer if elected as its next president

Richards, founder of London-based ORMS, has pledged to give the institute more of a voice and make the RIBA more outward facing and ‘energetic’ if voted in to replace current president Stephen Hodder.

In his first 90 days, Richards has also promised to review how local branches are supported, promote alternative routes into the profession, begin remodeling the clients’ advisory service and the competitions office, and set up cabinet-style governance and a team to deliver his plans.

If Protection of Function is implemented, does that mean that designers ( a la Heatherwick) technicians and Project Managers are out of a job? This would leave us open to the accusation of running some sort of architects' cartel with the heavy handed regulation that would surely follow.

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